LeT divisional commander killed in north Kashmir

A Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander was killed in an operation in north Kashmir's Handwara area on Sunday.

The slain militant has been identified as Abu Ukasha Afghani, divisional commander of LeT. He was allegedly planning attacks in the valley.

According to a police spokesman, the Handwara police, along with the army's 47 RR, 21 RR and 6 RR, launched a cordon and search operation in Sudal village area of Magam in Handwara, 60 km away from Srinagar, this morning.

"The militants fired upon the joint operation party, triggering an encounter. During the encounter, a LeT militant was killed," said the spokesman.

LeT has increased its activity in Kashmir. According to police reports, around six boys joined the ranks of Lashkar this year from south Kashmir, which witnessed increased violence this year that left three grassroots representatives and around half a dozen security forces personnel dead.

Lashkar's long surviving commander Qasim believed to be the mind behind several high profile attacks in the valley gave a slip to the security forces last month in Central Kashmir's Budgam district..